The final three races of the biathlon season take place this weekend in Oslo, marking a thrilling conclusion at the famed Holmenkollen. Coming into this weekend, Franziska Preuß takes center stage, having had her best season to date, despite pressures from her competitors.
Preuß's consistency and mental fortitude are being noted as significant advantages in her pursuit of the Overall World Cup title. Eurosport expert Michael Rösch expressed confidence in Preuß's abilities despite rival Lou Jeanmonnot's seven wins this season. "Franzi is more consistent, even if it has been a bit slow lately," he commented. Rösch also recalled how Preuß showed remarkable resilience during a previous race in Nove Mesto, where after stumbling with three shooting errors, she executed three flawless shots afterwards.
Preuß’s impressive shooting statistics bolster her standing: she has shooting percentages of 96% in prone and 88% in standing positions, while Jeanmonnot has slightly lower figures of 94% and 87%, respectively. However, Jeanmonnot is faster on the course, averaging only 1.9 seconds behind the best time compared to Preuß’s 3.7 seconds. These competing strengths set the stage for an exciting showdown.
This weekend's Oslo World Cup, taking place from March 21 to March 23, features six races, with the men's sprint kicking off on Friday at 13:30, followed by the women's sprint at 16:15. With Preuß leading the overall standings with just a slim 20-point advantage over Jeanmonnot, every position in these races is crucial. Rösch noted, "A win brings 90 points. If you finish second, you get 75 points, so it’s very competitive. Each position matters in this chase for the title. Even a fourth-place finish could be insufficient."
As the drama unfolds, an added layer intensifies the atmosphere: Johannes and Tarjei Boe, both biathlon legends, will be retiring after their final races at Holmenkollen. The venue holds significant emotional weight for the Boe brothers, who have dominated the sport for years. Their farewell adds an emotional touch to the already thrilling event.
Preuß has focused on her performance amidst mounting media attention and expectations. She has opted to refrain from individual interviews leading up to Oslo, a decision that Rösch empathizes with. For athletes, constant media pressure can be daunting. After enduring scrutiny from various angles, she is redirecting her energy towards her races, prioritizing mental clarity for her performance.
While many competitors are out of the points race at this stage, others, like Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, Julia Simon, and Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold are still capable of causing surprises and affecting the standings. The women’s events promise to be competitive, especially with Preuß and Jeanmonnot neck and neck.
On the men's side, Sturla Holm Laegreid leads the standings against Johannes Thingnes Boe, who has been recovering from illness recently. Although Boe is in pursuit of a final World Cup victory to cap off his illustrious career, he faces a daunting task—it would require overcoming a current deficit of 104 points to Laegreid. Analysts predict that this will be a tough order, particularly given Boe's recent health challenges.
As the excitement builds, the Oslo World Cup offers intricate dynamics, not just for individual athletes but also in the team context as they position themselves for season conclusions. Not only will this serve as the competitive denouement of the season, but it also sets the stage for the narrative arcs of the athletes involved, particularly for those like Preuß and the Boe brothers as they reflect on their careers.
In the end, this weekend's event is set to capture the attention of biathlon enthusiasts globally. With dynamic competitors and high stakes on the line, the Oslo World Cup 2025 is positioned as a landmark event in the sport's history, and it promises a thrilling finish to the season.
